Oyindamola Ogunbowale
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has filed a suit against President Bola Tinubu, challenging his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The suit, filed alongside the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also lists the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.
Atiku’s case centres on an alleged NYSC discharge certificate submitted by Tinubu to INEC.
He claims the document bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” and questions its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its submission.
He is relying on Section 137(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the disqualification of a presidential candidate who presents a forged certificate to the electoral commission.
However, the allegations have not been established by the court.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Tinubu’s lawyer, Omosanya Popoola, appeared for the President, while Atiku’s counsel, Joseph Onu, told the court that the plaintiffs had yet to personally serve Tinubu with the court processes.
Onu said the plaintiffs wanted personal service on the President or an order allowing substituted service.
Justice Inyang Ekwo subsequently adjourned the case until September 28, while warning the lawyers against discussing the matter in the media or on social media.
“This case is to be conducted in court and not in the media, whether it is regular or social,” the judge warned.
The court has therefore not yet determined the substance of Atiku’s challenge to Tinubu’s eligibility.
